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General Specifications
Wingspan: 9.8 m (32 ft. 2 in.) Length: 8.67 m (27 ft. 11 in.) Height: 2.54 m (9 ft. 3 in.) Weight: 2,605 kg. (5,743 lb.) Engine: Shvetsov M-82FN 14-cylinder radial air-cooled Horsepower: 1,630 hp. Guns: Two 20 mm ShVAK cannons ___________________________________________________________
In 1941, attempting to forestall the onslaught of the Germans, the Soviets sought an improvement to the outclassed LaGG-3. The plane was effective, but German technology was improving quickly. The LaGG-3 was converted to carry an M-82 radial engine in its excellent airframe. Other changes were made to increase overall performance, and the result was initially nothing more than LaGG-3 airframes with new engines.
The La-5 was the first true production version of this new Lavochkin. Pilots enjoyed a 360-degree view through a new canopy, and the powerplant was now an M-82A radial. The La-5FN featured a boosted fuel-injected M-82FN engine, and lighter wings with metal spars that significantly reduced overall weight and increased performance. Armed with two 20mm ShVAK cannons, the La-5FN was the best Soviet fighter of its time. Thousands of La-5s participated in the war.
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